Minors

Anthropology at the University of Michigan emphasizes four-field training. Our majors gain anthropological understanding of the human condition through exposure to Anthropological Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Sociocultural Anthropology, and Linguistic Anthropology.

Many students, however, take our courses to supplement other majors or out of general interest and have less need for four-field training. Academic minors in anthropology may benefit these students, providing structure to their course elections, and allowing thoughtful integration of anthropology into their academic plans. The department offers three minors: Anthropology (tracks in Archaeological, Sociocultural, and Linguistic Anthropology), Biological Anthropology, and Medical Anthropology.

Anthropology - Archaeology

The sub-disciplines of anthropology are natural complements to many majors. The minor in Anthropology allows students with particular regional or topical interests to add an anthropological perspective to their studies, whether sociocultural, linguistic or archeological. Students may choose a track that emphasizes Sociocultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, or Anthropological Archaeology.
Prerequisites to the Academic Minor: None

a) ANTHRARC 282.
b) ANTHRARC 385 or 386.
c) Three additional regularly offered courses in anthropological archaeology, two of which must be 300-level or above, chosen from ANTHRARC 258, 283, 284, 285, 381, 382, 383, 385, 386, 392, 394, 407, 442, 482, 484, 490, or 494.
d) Other less regularly taught courses in anthropological archaeology may also be used. Consult the undergraduate advisor for more information. The field course (ANTHRARC 487) and Independent Reading and Research (ANTHRARC 499) may not be used toward the academic minor.

Anthropology - Linguistic

The sub-disciplines of anthropology are natural complements to many majors. The minor in Anthropology allows students with particular regional or topical interests to add an anthropological perspective to their studies, whether sociocultural, linguistic or archeological. Students may choose a track that emphasizes Sociocultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, or Anthropological Archaeology.

a) One general introduction to Anthropology; ANTHRCUL 101 is recommended
b) ANTHRCUL 272.
c) At least three upper-level courses chosen from the following: ANTHRCUL 299, 370, 373, 374, 375, 461, 462, 464, 471, 473, 474, or 475. ANTHRCUL 458 may be used when offered with a linguistic anthropology topic.

Anthropology - Sociocultural

The sub-disciplines of anthropology are natural complements to many majors. The minor in Anthropology allows students with particular regional or topical interests to add an anthropological perspective to their studies, whether sociocultural, linguistic or archeological. Students may choose a track that emphasizes Sociocultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, or Anthropological Archaeology.

a) One general introduction to Anthropology: ANTHRCUL 101 or 222.
b) One course in anthropological theory chosen from the following: ANTHRCUL 246, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 338, 342, 352, or 374.
c) Three additional 200-level or above sociocultural anthropology courses. At least one must be at the 400-level, and one must be a regional course.

Biological Anthropology

The academic minor in Biological Anthropology allows students with interests in evolutionary biology or medicine to add an anthropological perspective to their studies. Many students are interested in specific topics covered by Biological Anthropology, such as Human Evolution, the Evolution of Human Behavior, Primatology, Nutrition and Adaptation, Human Genetics, etc. Thus, an academic minor in biological anthropology offers several "tracks" to students depending on their interests.

Prerequisites to Academic Minor: None.

Academic Minor Program: At least five courses (no fewer than 16 credits), to be chosen from the following categories as stated:

ANTHRBIO 201: Introduction to Biological Anthropology.

At least four 200-level or above courses in biological anthropology (ANTHRBIO), one of which must be at the 400-level or above.

Medical Anthropology

Not open to students electing the Science, Technology, and Society academic minor in the Residential College.

The academic minor in Medical Anthropology allows students to focus on the social basis of illness and healing from different cultural perspectives. The academic minor might be elected by students interested in client-practitioner interactions, traditional and complementary medicine, the production of medical knowledge, body politics, bioethics, and reproductive health, among other topics. It might also be relevant for those students interested in adding anthropological perspectives to their preparation for a career in medicine, public health, and other health sciences.

Prerequisites to the Academic Minor: Anthrcul 101 or 222 (recommended).

Academic Minor Program: At least five courses (no fewer than 16 credits) from courses to be chosen from the following categories as stated:

Please note: courses used for this minor must be either offered in the Department of Anthropology or taught by an anthropologist in another department. No other courses outside of this department will be approved.